I still remember the first time I tasted Jamie Oliver’s Coleslaw Red Cabbage. I was at a small summer picnic with friends. Someone brought a colorful bowl of purple cabbage, carrots, and creamy dressing. The flavors were so vibrant I asked for the recipe immediately. Since then, making this coleslaw has become a ritual every time I host a gathering.
What I love about this recipe is how simple ingredients can transform into something extraordinary. It’s not just a side dish. It’s a conversation starter, a crowd-pleaser, and a burst of fresh, crunchy goodness.
- Easy to make
- Bursting with color and flavor
- Perfect for BBQs, lunches, and holiday tables
Jamie Oliver’s Coleslaw Red Cabbage Recipe
Jamie’s coleslaw is all about balance. Sweetness, tanginess, and creaminess come together in a bowl of crunchy vegetables. It’s vibrant purple from red cabbage with a touch of orange from carrots. The dressing is creamy but light, letting the natural flavors shine.
This is not your average coleslaw. Jamie’s version is thoughtful. Every ingredient has a role: texture, color, or flavor.
- Red cabbage adds crunch and color
- Carrots add sweetness
- Dressing ties everything together
Ingredients Needed
The first time I bought the ingredients, I was surprised at how simple they were. You probably already have most of them in your kitchen.
- 1 small red cabbage
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 small red onion
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or natural yogurt
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (optional, like parsley or chives)
These ingredients are easy to find and inexpensive. The magic is in the way they are combined.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Coleslaw Red Cabbage
I remember the first time I shredded the cabbage by hand. It felt like a workout, but the aroma was amazing. The smell of fresh vegetables and vinegar filling the kitchen made me even more excited to eat it.
- Thinly shred the red cabbage and carrots
- Finely slice the red onion
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper
- Toss the shredded vegetables in the dressing until evenly coated
- Garnish with fresh herbs if you like
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld
The first bite is always the best. Crunchy, creamy, tangy, slightly sweet-it hits every note perfectly.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
I love understanding why certain ingredients work so well together. In this coleslaw:
- Red cabbage: Full of antioxidants and anthocyanins, which give it that deep purple color
- Carrots: Add sweetness and beta-carotene
- Yogurt: Provides creaminess without being heavy like mayo alone
- Apple cider vinegar: Cuts through the creaminess with acidity, balancing flavors
- Honey: Ties the tangy and creamy elements together with gentle sweetness
The combination is not random. Each ingredient has a purpose. Chemistry meets taste.
Expert Tips
After a few tries, I learned some tricks that make this coleslaw even better:
- Use a sharp knife or mandoline for thin, even slices
- Massage the cabbage with a little salt to soften it before adding dressing
- Make it a few hours ahead to let flavors develop
- Adjust vinegar and honey to taste depending on how tangy or sweet you like it
These small tweaks make a big difference.
Recipe Variations
I’ve experimented a lot with Jamie’s recipe. Some variations I enjoy include:
- Adding green apples for crunch and tartness
- Mixing in raisins or dried cranberries for sweetness
- Swapping Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangier dressing
- Using a touch of smoked paprika or chili flakes for a hint of spice
Each variation changes the flavor profile while keeping the classic crunch.
Final Words
Making Jamie Oliver’s Coleslaw Red Cabbage is more than following a recipe. It’s about appreciating simple ingredients and how they interact. Every time I make it, I feel connected to that first picnic experience. The colors, textures, and flavors bring a little joy to every meal.
- Easy to customize
- Perfectly balanced flavors
- A side dish that can shine on its own
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Red Cabbage Coleslaw Recipe Different?
Jamie’s version adds a mix of sweet and tangy flavors using apple cider vinegar and honey, with a crunchy texture from the red cabbage.
Can I Use Regular Cabbage Instead Of Red Cabbage For This Recipe?
Yes, you can. But red cabbage adds a nice color and slightly firmer crunch that makes the coleslaw stand out.
How Long Can I Keep Jamie Oliver’s Red Cabbage Coleslaw In The Fridge?
It stays fresh for about 2-3 days in the fridge. Just make sure it’s stored in an airtight container.